August 2011 Progress report
article by: Chris Blake
A big step forward along the road to fully restoring 4F 44027
took place on Wednesday 10th August 2011, when a 55
Tonne crane appeared at Toddington. This had been arranged to
assist the group in turning the boiler to allow access to the
foundation ring and tackle the other boiler work which could not be
reached before.
As can be seen in the photos, this was a delicate operation to
ensure that the turning was controlled and did not result in any
damage to the boiler barrel.
Over the last few months the loco has been subject of a full
dismantlement, including the removal of the cab and running boards.
This has allowed Mike Hoskin (project leader) to evaluate all
components and ensure that the volunteers have a clear direction to
follow in the restoration of this National Railway Museum loco.
Other work has included specialist welding techniques to build
up the metal in areas that have worn out or been rusted away. This
requires a steady hand and eye and plenty of patience. It is then
ground back to provide a strong sound finish ready for
painting.
Other work inside has focused on the frames, dragbox and
cylinder block. This has included cleaning old paintwork, grease
and other accumulated material back to clean metal with the use of
needle guns, ready for the gang to attack with paint brushes.
Despite the job being one of the dirtier jobs, good progress has
been made.
The 3 compartments on the dragbox, once cleaned back, will soon
be ready for shotblasting. The cylinder block will need, at a later
stage, chemical bonding to protect the metal for final fitting and
use.
It is hoped that steady progress will now be made as volunteers
have come forward to work at the weekends and also during the week
as well as Mike, Kevin and Jon working full time.
It is the intention of the group to give updates on this work at
regular intervals so that we can share our enthusiasm with you to
see this loco back in steam one day.